Antonio Marchese

Thursday

May 29, 2014 at 6:00 AM

WORCESTER - Antonio "Tony" Marchese, 78, of Worcester passed away peacefully Monday, May 26, 2014 with his devoted family by his side after a period of declining health.

Tony was born in Acri, province of Cosenza, Italy. A son of Francesco and Bombina (Altomare) Marchese. He grew up in Acri, served in the Italian Army in the 1950's and immigrated with his brother Armando to the United States in 1963. Shortly thereafter he met Lillian Lambert and in 1965, they married enjoying a devoted life for the next 42 years before Lillian passed away in 2007. Except for the occasional trip home to Italy, Tony has lived in Worcester.

Tony is survived by his four daughters, Lynn Miller and her husband Sean of Rutland, Tammy Marchese of Worcester, Judy Thielman of Barton, Vermont and Patty Gilmore of Charlton; a brother, Armando Marchese of Worcester; two sisters, Maria O'Connor of West Boylston and Ortenza Viterritti of Parma, Italy; five grandchildren, Emily, Abigail, Jake, Kristina and Ryan; Three great grandchildren; Many nieces, nephews, extended family members here and in Italy and friends. Two brothers, Vincenzo and Natale Marchese and two sisters, Rosalina "Rose" Conte and Assunta Marchese pre deceased him.

Tony, exceptional with his hands worked all his life as a stone mason. He owned and operated Marchese Masonry for many years before retiring.

Tony was a member of Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, The Worcester Lodge 168, Order sons of Italy and its Bocce league. He loved to cook, tinker around the house and especially work in his garden of both flowers and vegetables. Family was very important to Tony; He most enjoyed spending time with his children and grandchildren. They were what made him the proudest.

Friends and relatives are invited to visit with the family Sunday, June 1st 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm in the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME and CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. His funeral will be held Monday, June 2nd from the funeral home with a Mass at 10:00 am in Our Lady of Mt Carmel Church, 24 Mulberry St. Burial next to his wife Lillian will follow in St John Cemetery.

The Marchese family would like to thank the St. Francis Home, for the care, compassion and comfort they gave to Tony during a difficult time.